Apparatus for mixed beverages

ABSTRACT

The present invention combines two containers into a single container with two compartments or chambers, for the purpose of providing alcohol-based “shooters” that are not mixed until consumed. In some variations, containers can be pre-filled with an alcohol-containing liquid and another liquid, joined with a container top assembly, and distributed to a bar, night club, or restaurant for sale and consumption. In some embodiments, all-glass dual-chamber containers are provided.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of mixed beveragescontaining alcohol. The invention relates more specifically to improvedsystems and apparatus for mixed beverages.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For about the last two decades, bars and restaurants have been servingmixed drinks without pre-mixing the drink, in a type of drink known as a“shooter,” “bomber,” or “bomb.” An ethanol-containing liquid is pouredinto a container (such as a shot glass) that is physically locatedinside another container (such as a tumbler). The volume between theoutside of the inner container and the inside of the outer container isgenerally filled with a non-alcoholic liquid that is intended to enhancethe overall taste or reduce unpleasant tastes associated with theethanol-containing liquid alone.

This mode of cocktail-blend delivery has certain disadvantages, asrecited in U.S. Pat. No. 7,342,812 to Mansfield and Lambert. It would bedesirable to combine the two containers into a single container with twocompartments. Many containers in the prior art are essentially sealedstorage containers to be opened at the point of use and poured intoanother vessel. Examples include U.S. Pat. No. 3,603,485 to Vivier, U.S.Pat. No. 4,410,085 to Beneziat et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,762,224 to Hall,U.S. Pat. No. 5,215,214 to Lev et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,059,443 to Casey,U.S. Pat. No. 6,363,978 to Castillo, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,814,990 toZeng.

It would also be desirable to provide a container that can optionally bepre-filled with an alcohol-containing liquid and another liquid at afirst site, and distributed to a second site such as a bar, night club,or restaurant. Such a design would help alleviate the known problemsrelating to the preparation of these mixed drinks at the site ofconsumption.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses the aforementioned shortcomings.

In some variations, this invention provides an all-glass container formixing a first liquid with a second liquid, wherein the containerincludes an inner chamber for the first liquid and an outer chamber forthe second liquid.

In some embodiments, the inner chamber includes a slightly angled wall.The inner chamber can be designed to be capable of holding at least 1ounce of the first liquid. The outer chamber can be designed to becapable of holding at least 2 or 3 ounces of the second liquid. Thecontainers are not nestable, in some embodiments.

Various types of glass may be utilized for the container. In someembodiments, the container comprises soda-lime glass and lead-oxideglass. In some embodiments, the container comprises soda-lime glass andhigh-silica glass.

Variations of the invention provide an apparatus comprising a containerand a container top assembly adjoined to the container, wherein thecontainer includes an inner chamber for a first liquid and an outerchamber for a second liquid, and wherein the container top assemblycomprises a top stopper (made of e.g. polymer or cork) or a screw-oncap.

In some embodiments, the inner chamber is capable of holding at least 1ounce of the first liquid and wherein a free volume of the inner chamberis selected from about 0.1 ounce to about 1 ounce. The outer chamber canbe designed for holding at least 2 ounces of the second liquid.

In some embodiments, the apparatus includes an alcohol-containing liquidin the inner chamber and a non-alcoholic liquid in the outer chamber.Or, the apparatus can include an alcohol-containing liquid in the outerchamber and a non-alcoholic liquid in the inner chamber. The first andsecond liquids preferably cannot mix until the container is opened byremoving the container top assembly.

This invention also provides a method of manufacturing a pre-filledcontainer comprising an inner chamber including a first liquid and anouter chamber including a second liquid, the method comprising:

-   -   (a) providing a container with an inner chamber for a first        liquid and an outer chamber for a second liquid;    -   (b) adding a first volume of the first liquid into the inner        chamber;    -   (c) adding a second volume of the second liquid into the outer        chamber;    -   (d) providing a container top assembly with a top stopper or        screw-on cap; and    -   (e) joining the container top assembly onto the container to        effectively retain each of the first and second liquids in the        respective chambers according to steps (b) and (c), wherein the        liquids remain substantially unmixed.

In some embodiments, the volume of the inner chamber is less than thevolume of the outer chamber. In some embodiments, the second volume isgreater than the first volume. Either or both of the first and secondliquid can optionally contain alcohol, although that is not necessarywithin the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting features and aspects of the present invention can beexplained in the following description taken in connection with theaccompanying drawing(s).

FIG. 1 is a drawing depicting a container provided in some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the container shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the container shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an isometric illustration depicting a joined container and topassembly, in some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The apparatus and methods of the present invention will now be describedin detail by reference to various non-limiting embodiments of theinvention.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing dimensions,parameters, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to beunderstood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.”Without limiting the application of the doctrine of equivalents to thescope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least beconstrued in light of the number of significant digits and by applyingordinary rounding techniques.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singularforms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the contextclearly indicates otherwise.

Certain preferred embodiments of the present invention will be describedin more detail, including reference to the accompanying figures. Thefigures are understood to provide representative illustration of theinvention and are not limiting in their content or scale. It will beunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the scope of theinvention extends beyond the specific embodiments depicted. Thisinvention also incorporates routine experimentation and optimization ofthe methods and apparatus described herein.

In some embodiments, the invention comprises a multiple-chamberedcontainer for mixing multiple liquids. In preferred embodiments, theinvention comprises a dual-chambered container for mixing two or moreliquids, such as shown in FIGS. 1-3.

In some embodiments, the outer-chamber liquid is isolated from theinner-chamber liquid by a secure top with top stopper (collectively a“container top assembly” as used herein) connected so that the topstopper can isolate the liquids until the container is opened. In someembodiments, the inner chamber is angled slightly to ensure asubstantially secure seal with the top stopper.

In preferred embodiments comprising a dual-chambered container, theinner chamber is capable of holding a liquid volume of at least about 1ounce. As used in this specification, “ounce” means the U.S. customaryfluid ounce (fl. oz.). The total volume of the inner chamber should beat least slightly more than the liquid volume, so that there issufficient space (“free volume”) for insertion of the top stopper.

For example, the free volume of the inner chamber can be selected fromabout 0.1 ounce to about 1 ounce, such as about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5,0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, or 1.0 ounce. The total volume of the inner chamberis essentially the liquid volume plus the free volume. When the liquidvolume is 1 ounce (as is commercially typical), for example, the totalvolume can be about 1.1-2.0 ounces, in various embodiments. It should,however, be recognized that the invention is not limited to anyparticular chamber volumes.

In preferred embodiments, the outer chamber is capable of holding aliquid volume of at least about 2 ounces, preferably at least about 3ounces, and optionally at least about 4 or more ounces, wherein thisamount of liquid contained in the outer chamber will not spill into theinner chamber when the container is substantially flat on a surface. Thetotal volume of the outer chamber is not regarded as critical and candepend on the selected configuration of the container top assembly andthe selected dimensions of the inner and outer chambers.

In certain exemplary embodiments with reference to FIG. 2, the outerdiameter at or near the top of the container can be about 2.5 to about3.5 inches, such as about 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, or 3.2 inches. In theseexemplary embodiments, the inner diameter can be about 1 to about 2inches, such as about 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, or 1.7 inches. In one specificembodiment of FIG. 2, the outer diameter is 2.875 in. and the innerdiameter is 1.50 in.

In certain exemplary embodiments with reference to FIG. 3, the containerheight can be about 3 inches, such as (but not limited to) 3.0625 in.The outer diameter at or near the top of the container can be about 2.5to about 3.5 inches, such as about 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, or 3.2 inches.The outer diameter at or near the bottom of the container is preferablyless than the outer diameter at the top of the container. For example,the outer diameter at or near the bottom of the container can be about 2to about 3 inches, such as about 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, or 2.7 in.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the heightcorresponding to the inner chamber can be about 1.5 to about 2.5 inches,such as about 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, or 2.2 inches. It is preferable toinclude a surface within the inner chamber at a height above the bottomof the container, as is depicted in this figure. Liquid within the innerchamber would be intended to fill from this surface upwards. Thisintermediate inner-chamber height, from the container bottom to suchsurface, can be about 0.05 to about 0.25 in., such as about 0.125 in.

In some embodiments, the dual-chamber containers are capable of beingnested when empty. In other embodiments, the containers are not nestabledue to inclusion of bottom walls that would prevent nesting.

Some embodiments utilize a container top assembly that is designed sothat liquids in the outer and inner chambers do not mix until thecontainer is opened for consumption. The container top assemblypreferably includes a screw-on cap, to help ensure a tight seal, therebyminimizing leakage of liquids (see FIG. 4). Other means of attaching thecontainer top assembly to the container are of course possible,including the use of O-rings, reversible adhesives, and so on, but it isbelieved that a screw-on cap is a practical means for both a producerand a consumer. Preferably, a screw-on top is constructed with a stopperso that it forms a tight seal with the inner chamber to ensure minimalliquid mixing until the container is opened. The stopper can befabricated from cork, a polymer, or another suitable material.

Liquid cross-mixing will be virtually impossible when a container topassembly is installed as intended. It will be understood, however, thatdepending on material selection and specific implementation of anyparticular construction, some negligible amount of liquids maytechnically transfer to the opposite chamber, due to mass-transfermechanisms including vapor-phase pore diffusion or solubility—diffusionthrough chamber walls. Such diffusion (for example, of ethanolmolecules) could be more important if the filled containers are storedor shipped at moderate temperatures wherein diffusion rates are higher.

The embodiments suggested in FIGS. 1 and 3 show threads for tightening acontainer top assembly. However, some variations of the invention do notemploy a container top assembly and therefore do not require threadsnear the top of the container.

Generally, any suitable materials of construction can be utilized forcontainers of this invention. Such materials can include plastics (e.g.,polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, or polylactide); glasses(e.g., soda-lime glass, lead-oxide glass, or high-silica glass); andpapers (e.g., bleached paperboard or high-cellulose paper).

In certain embodiments, the entire multiple-chamber container isconstructed from one or more types of glass. For example, the containersshown in FIGS. 1-3, and variations thereof, can be fabricated fromglass.

As is known, soda-lime glass is the least-expensive form of commonglass; thus, for economic reasons, it can be preferred to utilizesoda-lime glass which typically contains 60-75% silica, 12-18% soda, and5-12% lime. Lead-oxide glass is relatively soft, which can be convenientfor manufacturing of containers as described herein. High-silica glass(>75% SiO₂) can be advantageous for long-term stability over manycleaning/sterilization cycles.

Blowing and pressing methods known in the art can be used to formall-glass containers. Once the desired form is obtained, the glass canbe annealed for the removal of stresses. Surface treatments, coatings,or lamination may follow to improve the chemical durability, strength,or optical properties. One or more colors may be introduced if desired.

In some embodiments, the inner chamber is pre-filled with analcohol-containing beverage, such as vodka, whiskey, wine, beer, etc. Incertain embodiments, the inner chamber is filled with Jägermeister(produced by Mast-Jägermeister AG, Germany), a certain popular liquorcontaining about 35 vol % ethanol.

Many variations are contemplated. Any liquid mixtures can be pre-filledinto the multiple chambers, such as mixtures of different types ofalcohol in the inner chamber or mixtures of various non-alcoholicliquids in the outer chamber. It is also possible, in some embodiments,that an alcohol-containing liquid is pre-filled in the outer chamber anda non-alcoholic liquid is pre-filled in the inner chamber. Generallyspeaking, any liquids or liquid mixtures can be pre-separated by the twochambers.

In this detailed description, reference has been made to multipleembodiments and to the accompanying drawings in which is shown by way ofillustration specific exemplary embodiments in which the invention maybe practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is tobe understood that modifications to the various disclosed embodimentsmay be made by a skilled artisan.

Where methods and steps described above indicate certain eventsoccurring in certain order, those of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that the ordering of certain steps may be modified and thatsuch modifications are in accordance with the variations of theinvention. Additionally, certain steps may be performed concurrently ina parallel process when possible, as well as performed sequentially.

All publications, patents, and patent applications cited in thisspecification are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety asif each publication, patent, or patent application were specifically andindividually put forth herein.

The embodiments, variations, and figures described above should providean indication of the utility and versatility of the present invention.Of course, many more devices can be developed that involve combinationsof device elements as provided herein. Other embodiments that do notprovide all of the features and advantages set forth herein may also beutilized, without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. Such modifications and variations are considered to be withinthe scope of the invention defined by the appended claims.

1. An all-glass container for mixing a first liquid with a secondliquid, wherein said container includes an inner chamber for said firstliquid and an outer chamber for said second liquid.
 2. The container ofclaim 1, wherein said inner chamber includes a slightly angled wall. 3.The container of claim 1, wherein said inner chamber is capable ofholding at least 1 ounce of said first liquid.
 4. The container of claim1, wherein said outer chamber is capable of holding at least 2 ounces ofsaid second liquid.
 5. The container of claim 4, wherein said outerchamber is capable of holding at least 3 ounces of said second liquid.6. The container of claim 1, wherein said container is not nestable. 7.The container of claim 1, wherein said container comprises soda-limeglass and lead-oxide glass.
 8. The container of claim 1, wherein saidcontainer comprises soda-lime glass and high-silica glass.
 9. Anapparatus comprising a container and a container top assembly adjoinedto said container, wherein said container includes an inner chamber fora first liquid and an outer chamber for a second liquid, and whereinsaid container top assembly comprises a top stopper or screw-on cap. 10.The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said inner chamber is capable ofholding at least 1 ounce of said first liquid and wherein a free volumeof said inner chamber is selected from about 0.1 ounce to about 1 ounce.11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said outer chamber is capable ofholding at least 2 ounces of said second liquid.
 12. The apparatus ofclaim 9, further including an alcohol-containing liquid in said innerchamber and a non-alcoholic liquid in said outer chamber.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 9, further including an alcohol-containing liquid insaid outer chamber and a non-alcoholic liquid in said inner chamber. 14.The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said first and second liquids cannotmix until said container is opened by removing said container topassembly.
 15. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said container topassembly comprises a top stopper fabricated from polymer or cork.
 16. Amethod of manufacturing a pre-filled container comprising an innerchamber including a first liquid and an outer chamber including a secondliquid, said method comprising: (a) providing a container with an innerchamber for a first liquid and an outer chamber for a second liquid; (b)adding a first volume of said first liquid into said inner chamber; (c)adding a second volume of said second liquid into said outer chamber;(d) providing a container top assembly with a top stopper or screw-oncap; and (e) joining said container top assembly onto said container toeffectively retain each of said first and second liquids in therespective chambers according to steps (b) and (c), wherein said liquidsremain substantially unmixed.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein thevolume of said inner chamber is less than the volume of said outerchamber.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein said second volume isgreater than said first volume.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein saidfirst liquid contains alcohol.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein saidsecond liquid contains alcohol.